Major Matter device maker Aqara just launched two essentials of the Aqara Matter ecosystem, a brand-new thermostat W600 and an upgraded hub with Matter Controller M200.
It is typical timing ahead of winter for the Northern Hemisphere for thermostat devices. Aqara makes it a good addition to the selection range with Matter over Thread and Zigbee connectivities, similar to what brands like Bosch have offered.
![Radiator Thermostat II [+M]](https://www.matteralpha.com/media/cache/resolve/product_card/61u-usn3scl-ac-sl1500.jpg)
Radiator Thermostat II [+M]
A smart radiator thermostat that offers personalized room temperature control, energy efficiency, and seamless integration with Bosch Smart Home and Matter systems, all while being easy to install and use.
Radiator Thermostat W600
The device is certified under Matter 1.3 spec, with basic thermostat control and a built-in humidity sensor. The device can also measure power usage according to the compliance files.
In theory, the device can be bound with a thermostat controller like Eve Thermo Control, with temperature adjustment and mode controls. However, we have yet to have a unit to test this feature. Aqara did not give specific comment on this capability as of press time.
But what we can be sure of is that the current version won’t allow the thermostat to source external temperature sensors via a direct “Matter Binding” as the corresponding cluster is missing from the device. It would be great if Aqara W100 and W600 could be bound bi-directionally, and open up to other devices like Tado, utilizing Matter Binding.
Beyond the Matter specifications, the W600 incorporates both Thread and Zigbee protocols. In its default Thread mode, the thermostat is natively compatible with Matter platforms like Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, and SmartThings without a vendor hub. In the alternative Zigbee mode, it pairs with an Aqara Zigbee hub to unlock features like heating regulation based on paired Aqara temperature sensors.
The hardware features a flippable LED display to ensure visibility for both horizontal and vertical installations. Compared to its predecessor, the W600 offers broader compatibility with common European radiator valves, supporting M301.5mm thread connections and providing adapters for RA, RAV, RAVL, Caleffi, Giacomini, and M281.5mm valves. It operates below 30 dB and provides up to two years of battery life with two AA batteries.
M200 Hub
The M200 Hub is an upgrade from the previous M2 gateway. The new hub is positioned between the recently released M100 Hub and the ultimate M3 Hub. It has PoE Ethernet connectivity and dual-band Wi-Fi support.
As a multi-protocol hub, the device connects and manages up to 40 Thread devices and 40 Aqara Zigbee devices simultaneously. It functions as a Matter Controller to manage third-party Matter-enabled devices and serves as a Matter bridge for Aqara Zigbee products. This bridging capability extends to infrared-compatible units. With a built-in 360-degree infrared blaster, the hub sends commands and detects remote control usage, allowing connected IR air conditioning units to be exposed to Matter.
The M200 also enables local automations for connected devices to reduce latency and minimize reliance on cloud services. Additional hardware features include a USB-C port for power when using a wireless connection, and a built-in speaker that functions as a siren or plays custom ringtones.
Availability
The W600 is now available for purchase through authorized retailers and Amazon in France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the UK. The Hub M200 is available through authorized retailers and Amazon in Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the UK, and the US.
